Naruto, starting with immortality, I'm going to buy up the ninja world!

Chapter 258 Preliminary Round

"Hyuga Neji, he should be the strongest person in this generation of Konoha."

After staring at Neji for a while, Sasuke came to a conclusion.

It is obvious that Neji is very different from other Konoha ninjas in terms of his aura.

In Sasuke's eyes, Neji on the other side was like water, as calm as a lake without the slightest ripple.

But the more such a person is, the more likely they are to become a devastating storm when they take action.

Karin, who was standing nearby, replied.

"That's right, Hyuga Neji, the top student of the previous graduating class of the Konoha Ninja Academy, is the most outstanding and dazzling one among all of them."

A disciple of the Hyuga branch family, possessing the Byakugan, a bloodline ability of the Hyuga clan, skilled in Gentle Fist taijutsu, and possessing astonishing physical strength, it is speculated that he has a talent for superhuman strength.

"The top student from the previous year?"

Sasuke pondered that if he hadn't left Konoha, he probably would have graduated as the top student.

However, the status of being a top student is nothing special.

If I had stayed in Konoha, I might not be stronger than I am now.

At least for now, his strength is undeniable: the three-tomoe Sharingan, powerful lightning release ninjutsu, and close-combat abilities that combine Uchiha taijutsu and Orochimaru taijutsu.

In terms of pure strength, even if he hasn't reached the level of a Jonin yet, he has definitely surpassed the level of a Chunin.

Their gaze shifted from Neji to the two people beside him.

Lee felt Sasuke's gaze, extended his right hand towards Sasuke, and gave him a thumbs up.

"Oh, did you notice me? This is youth!"

Before Xiao Li could finish speaking, his gaze shifted from him to Tian Tian.

Finally, losing interest, he closed his Sharingan and looked away.

"Apart from Neji, the other two are pretty average. The one with the thick eyebrows is somewhat capable. It's obvious that he, like Neji, is good at taijutsu."

Finally, after an hour's wait, the preliminary rounds began.

However, according to the procedure, the Hokage should have personally presided over this preliminary round to show his importance to this joint Chunin Exam.

However, something went wrong with the Hokage, and he couldn't come.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, both members of the elders' council, walked onto the platform, with the proctors Anko and Ibiki Morino standing beside them.

"All candidates, assemble!"

At Ibiki's call, the ninjas who had passed the test stepped onto the arena and lined up.

Unlike the Chunin Exams in the original story, which only involved the two great nations of Wind and Fire, this time, at the request of the daimyo of the various nations, villages other than Sunagakure and Konoha also sent ninjas.

However, they were mostly just going through the motions and didn't take the assessment too seriously.

As a result, the number of ninjas from the Water, Earth, and Lightning factions who ultimately passed the Death Forest test was the smallest.

Even so, the total number of ninjas from these three countries, plus those from other smaller countries, still exceeded the number in the original story and also surpassed Konoha's expectations.

Ibiki Morino spoke up.

"First of all, I would like to congratulate you on successfully passing the assessment."

Secondly, I have some bad news to tell you.

The atmosphere on the arena suddenly became tense.

"Because the number of genin who passed the assessment this time exceeded expectations, a preliminary selection is required. Only those who pass the preliminary selection can enter the next round of assessment."

Of course, considering that many talented people have just completed the assessment and are exhausted, we allow them to voluntarily give up. Giving up will not affect your teammates, nor will it affect your chances in the next Chunin Exam.

Are there any people who feel unwell and want to give up right now?

The group looked at each other, wondering if anyone would really choose to quit now that they had finally made it this far.

Just as everyone was wondering, one person raised his right hand and responded loudly.

"Examiner, I want to withdraw."

Everyone looked at the person who had raised his hand. He had white hair and was wearing a Konoha headband. This person was none other than Kabuto Yakushi.

"Ah! Brother Dou, why did you quit?"

Naruto immediately raised a question, knowing that they were able to pass the test thanks to Kabuto's help.

But having finally passed the test, why did he give up on his own?

Before Kabuto could answer, Ibiki looked at him and asked.

"Kabuto, are you still planning to give up this year?"

Dou scratched his head and laughed.

"Well, there's nothing I can do. I am indeed feeling a bit unwell. I don't think the examiner from Ibiki would refuse a candidate's request to give up this option."

Ibixi shook his head.

"No, it's just that I feel it's a bit of a pity that you gave up like this."

"There's nothing to regret. If you force yourself to take the test when you're not feeling well, you'll only be eliminated in the end. It's better to withdraw early and avoid making things too embarrassing."

"Alright, I respect your choice. Kabuto Yakushi has voluntarily withdrawn. Is anyone else here?"

After Kabuto withdrew, many others followed suit, as many were not in good condition.

Just like what Kabuto Yakushi said, forcing yourself to participate in the assessment will only result in being eliminated in the end. Quitting voluntarily will at least save you from looking so bad.

"Naruto, you have to do your best!"

Before leaving, Kabuto gave Naruto a word of encouragement.

Naruto nodded seriously.

"Don't worry, Brother Dou, I'll do my best."

"Ha, bottom of the pack, don't lose too badly."

"Ugh! You damn Sasuke! I'm not a loser anymore!"

Seeing Naruto's sullen face, Sasuke couldn't help but laugh.

"Weren't they at the bottom of the pack? Then who were the last people to cross the Death Forest?"

"Of course it is..."

Naruto suddenly realized that he was the last group to pass the test, and he immediately became quite dejected.

But he still retorted.

"Hmph, I'm not some loser, I'll prove you wrong!"

Once most of the people had left, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado began their long-winded discussion.

They were all the same old clichés, basically saying they were promoting the spirit of the ninja, like "exams come second, friendship comes first," and then they also gave the Konoha ninjas a pep talk about the Will of Fire.

These words were originally meant for the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, but now, Hiruzen Sarutobi is in trouble.

Since Konoha couldn't find anyone else to replace them, they had no choice but to send the two of them onto the field.

After the process was completed, Ibiki Morino stepped forward.

"Now I will announce the rules for the preliminary rounds."

This preliminary round will adopt a one-on-one duel mode. Before the competition begins, participants will be divided into groups by drawing lots. Those who draw the same lot will duel on this stage.

Any player who is knocked out of the ring loses, voluntarily concedes defeat, or dies loses.

In addition, you are permitted to use any bladed weapon and ninjutsu except for explosive tags.

This will be a battle closest to real combat and death. Now, let's begin the group draw!